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Skriven 2005-07-19 23:33:14 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (050719) for Tue, 2005 Jul 19
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President Welcomes Prime Minister of Australia to the White House
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 19, 2005

President Welcomes Prime Minister of Australia to the White House
The East Room

President's Remarks
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11:53 A.M. EDT

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you all. Laura and I are honored to welcome Prime
Minister John Howard and Janette back to the White House. We're really glad
you're here. We're looking forward to having, this time, a true family
lunch, upstairs. It's a chance to -- for two old friends, friends who
happen to be old -- (laughter) -- to visit and to talk and to strategize
and to think aloud about how to work together.

I got to tell you, I admire John Howard a lot. He's a man of conviction.
He's got backbone. He's not afraid to make the hard decision, he's not
afraid to lead. And we're really thrilled you're here. Plus, he married
well. (Laughter.)

I appreciate a man of vision. I am looking forward to working with him in
his fourth term in office, for the betterment of our own people and for the
betterment of the world.

Australia and the United States share a commitment to freedom. We
understand we compete against an ideology of hatred, an ideology that
murders the innocent in order to achieve objectives. We know we must be
steadfast and strong when it comes to bringing to justice those who would
kill innocent life -- like those who got killed in New York City and
Washington, D.C. and Bali and London, and other places around the world.
But we also understand that to defeat an ideology, you've got to have a
better ideology -- and we do, one based upon human rights and human
dignity, minority rights and freedom.

And the thing I appreciate about John Howard is he understands that. I
appreciate the commitment of the Australian government to help in the
democracy movements in both Iraq and Afghanistan. We had a good talk today
about the way forward in Iraq. I assured him that our position is one that
says, as the Iraqis stand up, America stands down. In other words, we're
going to help Iraqis to defend themselves and, at the same time, promote a
political process that will lead to a constitution -- a validation of the
constitution and permanent elections.

We talked, as well, about Afghanistan and how important it is for a country
like Afghanistan to show the world what is possible when it comes to
democratic institutions and freedom.

I appreciated the Prime Minister's strong advice about Malaysia and
Indonesia, two really important countries. And John Howard has got a lot of
experience with the leaders in those countries, as well as the -- as well
as the political process in the countries. And it's always good to visit
with a friend about how he sees the world.

We talked about China and North Korea. I told him that we're committed to
solving the North Korean nuclear issue in a diplomatic way, and that we're
pleased that the six-party talks has become renewed, and that we're sincere
about working with China and South Korea and Japan and Russia to bring some
common sense to the leader of North Korea.

We talked about the benefits of the free trade agreement we signed: Our
economies are strong, and that trade will help our economies stay strong,
and that free trade and fair trade is important for the working people in
both our countries, and that we're dedicated to making sure the next round
of the WTO goes forward.

All in all, we had a really good discussion, the kind of discussion you'd
expect from friends. And we're looking forward to continuing it over lunch.

John, welcome.

PRIME MINISTER HOWARD: Thank you very much, George. And I say to you, Mr.
President, and to your wife, Laura, thank you very much for the great
hospitality that you've extended to Janette and to me.

This is not only a close relationship between Australia and the United
States, but it is a shared commitment by two peoples who have so much
history and so much in the way of common values as a basis for the
relationship.

Australia and the United States have never been closer than they are at the
present time. But the reason that we are so close is that we are engaged
together in quite a struggle against some forces and elements of evil
around the world that threaten not only the people of our countries, but
also the people of other nations.

Terrorists indiscriminately murder people irrespective of their race, their
nationality, their religion, their political party, or their political
belief. And those who doubt that, I invite them to look at the casualty
lists of the London Underground and the bus. You will find not 55 people of
Anglo-Celtic-Protestant composition, but you will find 55 people of
different races, different ethnicities, different attitudes and different
beliefs. And I say that to encapsulate the view that I hold very strongly,
that to see this as some kind of struggle between the West and the rest is
to completely misunderstand and completely misread what's involved.

I want to thank the President and the Congress of the United States for the
support that was given so generously to the passage of the free trade
agreement legislation. It passed through the two Houses of the American
Congress with, I think, record majorities. And I believe that the economic
association between Australia and the United States will be more important
to Australia as the years go by, particularly in the area of services,
where, because of the commonalities we share in language and legal systems
and in so many other areas, the opportunities are going to be very much
greater.

The President and I had a very extensive discussion about the involvement
of both of our countries in the Asian Pacific region, about the critical
importance of Indonesia, the third largest democracy in the world, the
largest Islamic country in the world, and a nation whose success is
immensely important to the ideological and intellectual debate in relation
to terrorism, because if Indonesia is a success story, it can be held up as
an example to the rest of the Islamic world that the path forward, the path
to prosperity and stability, is a path away from hatred and extremism, and
a path of moderation.

Can I say to you, Mr. President, that the personal relationship that we
have established on behalf of our two countries means a great deal to me.
But it is, as you rightly say, based on a common view of the world that
individual freedom is still the greatest glue that nations and peoples can
have; that societies that honor the family as the most stabilizing
influence in our community, and also societies that recognize that the
basis of national wealth is individual wealth built on competitive
capitalism.

Not everybody in our two countries would entirely share every part of that
statement of my philosophical beliefs, but I'm happy to say that in both
countries a sufficient number of people -- (laughter) -- in recent times
have shared those views to put smiles on both our faces. (Laughter.) And I
must say, on a somewhat partisan note, how much I enjoyed my discussion
with you on the night of the 9th of October of last year, and, equally, the
opportunity I have of congratulating you on your remarkable victory, which
-- after an election campaign that I followed with enormous interest. I
come here as a friend of the United States. I come here as the leader of 20
million people who are committed, as you are, to the great causes of
individual liberty and freedom. And together we can work to make a better
world.

PRESIDENT BUSH: We'll answer two questions apiece. Jennifer.

Q Thank you, Mr. President. Can you tell us, as you consider Supreme Court
nominees, how important it is to you to replace Justice O'Connor with
another woman? And can you bring us up to date on whether you've completed
interviewing candidates?

PRESIDENT BUSH: First, I'm comfortable with where we are in the process.
That's important for you to know. Secondly, that I have thought about a
variety of people, people from different walks of life, some of whom I've
known before, some of whom I had never met before. I'm trying to figure out
what else I can say that you -- I didn't say yesterday that sounds profound
to you without -- without actually answering your question. (Laughter.)

As I say, I do have an obligation to think about people from different
backgrounds, but who share the same philosophy, people who will not
legislate from the bench. That's what I told the people when I ran for
President. I want to be known as the kind of person who does what he says
he's going to do and -- because I believe it's right. And so, I guess the
best way to put it is, I'll let you know when I'm ready to tell you who it
is.

John, go ahead, ask -- want to call on some --

Q Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, before the invasion of Iraq, Mr.
Howard said that our troops would be there for months, not years. It is now
years. Realistically, how long can the Australian people expect our troops
to be in Iraq and Afghanistan? Is it, now, more years?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, first, I think if you're going to ask how long the
Australian troops will stay, you ought to ask the person who decides where
the Australian troops go in the first place. I can tell you about the
American troops, and that is that they'll be there as long as necessary to
complete the mission.

There's a great temptation to get me or John to put a timetable on our
actions there. That doesn't make any sense. Why would you tell the enemy
how long you're going to stay somewhere? Why would you -- it just doesn't
-- we're at war, and during a war, you do the best you can to win the war,
and one way to embolden an enemy is to give them an artificial timetable.
I'm sure probably -- timetables need to be asked -- I get asked about
timetables all the time here. And -- but the answer is, when the Iraqis are
ready to do the fighting themselves. And that's happening on a steady
basis, and they're taking more and more of the fight to the enemy.

And like I'm sure in Australia, people in America want to know when the
troops are coming home -- and as quickly as possible, but we've got to
complete the mission. The mission is really important. We're laying the
foundation for peace. A free Iraq, a democratic Iraq, in the heart of the
Middle East, is a part of a vision that understands free societies are
peaceful societies.

We're fighting an ideology, and the way you defeat an ideology that is so
backward, so evil and so hated they kill innocent men and women regardless
of religion, is to spread freedom. And that's why it's important we
complete the mission in Iraq.

PRIME MINISTER HOWARD: Dennis, I did make that statement, and I made it in
a particular context, which I'm sure you will recall. I'm not going to try
and put a time limit on our commitment in Iraq; I'm not. It will be
governed by circumstances, rather than by the calendar, to borrow an
expression you may have heard yesterday when I was at the Pentagon. I
thought it was a very good expression, and that's why -- and I won't
plagiarize it; I'll acknowledge the source -- that is why I use it.

But I believe that progress is being made. I think we do face a situation
where, because of the horror of suicide bombing, there is a constant high
level of publicity, understandably, given to that, and to the detriment of
the progress that is being made at a political level. I mean, nothing can
answer and deny the fact that 8 million people risked their lives to vote.
Now, that is a stunning personal commitment to democracy that Australians
haven't been required to do in my lifetime, or, indeed, the average
American citizen, either. Now, I think we have to pay some regard to that.
And that is a cause worth fighting for, and it's a cause worth promoting
and supporting.

Now, the great burden in Iraq is being carried by the United States, and I
feel very deeply for the American people the burden they are carrying. I
also pay tribute to the burden that's being carried by the British. Our
commitment is significant, but, obviously, it's much smaller than that of
those two countries. But we will stay the distance in Iraq. We won't go
until the job has been finished. And you've heard me say that before.
That's been my view for a long time, and it will remain my view.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Caren.

Q Thank you, Mr. President. In light of the concerns that the CIA leak
investigation is distracting from your agenda, has Mr. Rove or any of your
aids offered their resignation? And what, short of a crime, constitutes a
firing offense?

PRESIDENT BUSH: You know, I appreciate you bringing that up. My answer
really hasn't changed -- (laughter) -- from 24 hours ago. It's the same
answer. Now, I'll be glad to answer another question if you've got one. I
-- I mean, I'll be glad to repeat what I said yesterday, which is, there's
an ongoing investigation and people shouldn't jump to conclusions in the
press until the investigation is over. And once the investigation is over,
I'll deal with it.

Have you got another question? I don't want to shortchange you on a --

Q I do, actually. (Laughter.) What do you think of Edith Clement?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Pardon me?

Q What do you think of Edith Clement for the Court?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Oh, well, I think it's important -- let me refer you back
to the first question. (Laughter.)

Q Can she have one more? (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: I don't know, the Prime Minister is a friend. Why would I
subject him to -- no. (Laughter.) Do you speak French? (Laughter.) It's
unfair I get the last word at the mike. It's all inside, I'm sorry. Please.

Q Can I ask you both, please, for your view on China in the coming period?
It seems that Australia views China principally as an economic opportunity.
And we read increasingly that the U.S. sees it as an emerging military
challenge, particularly in light of the comments made by General Zhu, just
recently, about the possibility of a nuclear response on Taiwan. What I
want to ask you particularly is what role you both see Australia playing in
managing that emerging relationship?

PRESIDENT BUSH: It's a great question. Thanks for asking it. Our
relationship -- let me start with our relationship with China. It is a
complicated relationship. We obviously have an economic relationship with
China that's an important relationship. Our exports to China are
increasing. If you're a soybean farmer in America, you're really pleased
with the fact that the Chinese market is open for our soybeans.

China is a -- I think it's in the world's interest that China grow an open
market economy. I think open markets and free economies tend to cause
people to demand additional freedoms. So it's in our economic interests and
I think it's in the world's interest that we encourage free and fair trade.

We have some difficulties on the trade front with China. One such
difficulty is their currency, and we've worked with China to convince them
that it makes sense for them to change how they value their currency.

A second difficulty is on intellectual property rights. It's very important
for emerging economies to understand that they -- in order to be a fair
trading partner, that you've got to honor somebody else's intellectual
property. And sometimes that's a hard concept for countries to understand.
And so we're working very closely on that issue with China.

By the way, that's the same message that Australia gives, and so there's
one area where Australia and the United States can work together to help
convince China that intellectual property rights are important.

We have a diplomatic relationship with China, obviously. And that's
manifested in the recent six-party talks in North Korea. I view it very
important that China be an equal partner in those talks. We've got the
capacity to bring something to the table when it's -- in discussions with
North Korea, and so does China. And, therefore, diplomatically, we have an
opportunity to effect world security and to make sure that the ultimate
objective of the terrorists is not achieved, and that is the spread of
weapons of mass destruction, for example. These are areas where we can
cooperate and work hard.

We've got areas of issues when it comes to values. For example, I happen to
believe religious freedom is very important for any society, and that
people ought to be allowed to worship freely -- any -- worship any way they
see fit. Every time I've met with the Chinese leaders, I've, in a
respectful way, shared with them the importance, I feel, for a healthy
society to recognize that people think differently and worship differently
and, therefore, ought to be encouraged to do so. And so our relationship is
very important and very vibrant. It's a good relationship, but it's a
complex relationship.

I think that Australia, first of all, has got to act in her own interests.
And there's no doubt in my mind the Prime Minister will do that. Secondly,
though, that we can work together to reinforce the need for China to accept
certain values as universal -- the value of minority rights, the value of
freedom for people to speak, the value of freedom of religion, the same
values we share.

Secondly, I know that Australia can lend a wise message to the Chinese
about the need for China to take an active role in the neighborhood to
prevent, for example, Kim Jong-il from developing a nuclear weapon. We've
got a lot of common interests, and it's when those common interests and
common values intersect, is where we can reinforce each other's message.

PRIME MINISTER HOWARD: Mark, I think your question is based on a
misapprehension shared by a number of people in Australia, and that is that
we are trying to manage a relationship we have with two countries where
some kind of conflict between those two countries is inevitable, and I'm
not as pessimistic as that. I am a lot more optimistic for the reasons I
outlined in the speech I delivered to the Lowy Institute a few months ago
in Australia.

We have different relationships with the United States and China. I mean,
of course, our relationship with the United States is closer and deeper
than it is with China, because it's a relationship that is based upon
shared values and a lot of shared history. The Chinese understand that. I
think one of the bases -- the basis of our relationship successfully with
China over the last eight or nine years is that I have never disguised that
fact in my discussions with the Chinese, and I've encouraged them to accept
that our close defense alliance with the United States is not in any way
directed against China.

But we have a good relationship with China. It's not just based on economic
opportunity. There are a lot of people-to-people ties between Australia and
China, and they're growing all the time. We are going to differ with China
on human rights issues. You've seen recently, in the debate over Mr. Chen,
you've seen an expression of views from China. But equally, I think the
relationship between our two countries is mature enough to ride through
temporary arguments such as that. I think China sees a growing place for
themselves in the world, but I think there's a great level of pragmatism in
the Chinese leadership.

Now, the economic relationship between Australia and China is different
from the economic relationship between the United States and China. And I
understand that and the President and I talked about that today. But I have
a more optimistic view about the relationship between China and the United
States, and I know that the leadership of both countries understands the
importance of common sense in relation to Taiwan, a recognition that there
are differences of philosophy between the two societies.

But let us not look at this issue from an Australia vantage point of
believing that there's some inevitable dust-up going to occur. I don't
believe that, and I share a great deal of optimism that that is going to be
prevented. From Australia's point of view, well, we don't presume any kind
of intermediary role. That would be absurd. We have relationships with the
United States, which I've talked about and categorized in an unambiguous
way. Everybody understands the centrality of that relationship to
Australia. The Chinese understand it. But we are unashamed in developing
our relations with China, and I am well pleased with the way the economic
relationship has developed. And I'll continue to do everything I can in the
interests of Australia to ensure that it develops further.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Good job, John. Thank you.

Thank you all.

END 12:18 P.M. EDT

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